Four main schools of Hinduism

In SHAIVISM, Shiva is worshiped as the supreme form of God. In VISHNAIVISM, Vishnu is supreme, and Krishna and Ram are incarnations of Vishnu. In SHAKTISM,the various forms of the Devi, or Goddess, are worshiped as supreme. In SMARTISM, one chooses a preferred deity, called Ishta Devata.

Who is Shiva?

SHIVATHE DESTROYER??

The Trimurti of Vishnaivism:Brahma and Shiva with Lord Vishnu

Worship of The Supreme Lord as Vishnu is called Vishnaivism. In Vishnaivism, Brahma the Creator, and Shiva is the Destroyer (force of dissolution) are led by Vishnu the Sustainer. This is called the Trimurti of Vishnaivism.

Lord Shiva

Worship of the Supreme Lord as Shiva is called Shaivism. In Shaivism, Shiva performs all five divine functions: creator, sustainer, dissolver, concealer and revealer.

Harihara: Shiva and Vishnu as One

Many Hindus recognize that Vishnu and Shiva are the same deity.

Dualism or non-dualism?

WHAT IS REAL?DVAITA dualism ~ God is real, everything else (the universe) is REAL too, but the universe is NOT GOD. The goal: dispelling of ignorance replaced by devotion to God, and freedom from reincarnation.

ADVAITA non-dualism (Vedanta) ~ God is real, everything else (the universe) is ILLUSION and NOT GOD. The goal: withdraw from deceptive world of the senses and merge with God while alive (realization).

PARADVAITA non-dualism (Kashmir Shaivism) ~ God is real, everything else—the universe, me, you—are REAL, and GOD. Everything is God. The goal: recognize God as my self and all of the universe; merge with God while alive (realization) through grace.